Identify the complete subject of a sentence

  1. Definition of a Sentence:
    • A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. Every sentence has two main parts: the subject and the predicate.
  2. What is a Subject?
    • The subject of a sentence tells who or what the sentence is about. It is the person, place, thing, or idea that is doing or being something in the sentence.
  3. Complete Subject vs. Simple Subject:
    • The simple subject is the main word or words in the subject that tell exactly who or what the sentence is about.
    • The complete subject includes the simple subject and all the words that describe or modify it.
  4. Identifying the Complete Subject:
    • To find the complete subject, ask yourself “Who or what is this sentence about?”
    • The complete subject will include the main noun (simple subject) and any words that describe it (like adjectives, articles, or phrases).

Examples:

  1. The big, friendly dog barked at the mailman.
    • Complete Subject: “The big, friendly dog”
    • Explanation: The complete subject includes the simple subject “dog” and the describing words “the big, friendly.”
  2. My best friend from school is coming to visit.
    • Complete Subject: “My best friend from school”
    • Explanation: The complete subject includes “friend” and the words that tell more about the friend: “my best” and “from school.”
  3. All of the students in the class were excited about the trip.
    • Complete Subject: “All of the students in the class”
    • Explanation: The simple subject is “students,” but the complete subject includes “all of the” and “in the class.”
  4. The tall man with the blue hat is my uncle.
    • Complete Subject: “The tall man with the blue hat”
    • Explanation: The complete subject includes the simple subject “man” and the words describing him: “the tall” and “with the blue hat.”